M6 Closed Both Ways Between J18 and J19 After Lorry Fire Causes Severe Delays

Morning Rush Hour Fire Shuts Down M6

A severe lorry fire on the M6 in Cheshire has closed the motorway in both directions between junction 18 for Middlewich and junction 19 for Knutsford, triggering severe delays and queuing traffic spanning miles. According to National Highways, the incident was reported during the morning rush hour, drawing emergency response teams to the northbound carriageway.

Emergency Crews Battle Heavy Goods Vehicle Blaze

Three fire engines from Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service arrived at the scene after emergency calls came in at 7:36 am, according to local reporting from the Manchester Evening News. Live images from the location showed thick black smoke billowing across the carriageways as firefighters worked to extinguish the blaze consuming the heavy goods vehicle.

Miles of Queues Paralyze Regional Traffic

National Highways and traffic monitoring services have reported significant disruptions for motorists traveling through the region. The Inrix traffic monitoring service noted that all traffic was temporarily held with long queues tailing back past junction 18 toward Holmes Chapel, while AA Traffic News reported severe delays stretching past 37 minutes on the northbound approach toward Knutsford Services.

Extended Journey Times Expected Amid Clean-Up Operations

National Highways continues to provide operational updates via its official channels as emergency crews manage the ongoing closure.